How To Buy A Refurbished Computer

How To Buy A Refurbished Computer

Author: Lee MacRae

A personal computer is an important part of the household or business these days. People use them to keep in contact with family members or friends through the use of e-mail or Skype that keeps the telephone bills down. With computers being used so much in business these days it is imperative that children a good grasp of how to use a computer and experience with one. It will be definitely help them to further their education. Buy what happens if you don't have a lot of money to spend on a computer? The answer is you turn to a refurbished computer.

A refurbished computer is not necessarily a used computer. Quite often the manufacturers, dealers or retail stores have computers that are returned to them very quickly for one reason or another. Perhaps the buyer realized after a day or so that the computer is simply not powerful enough to do what they want. Once they return the computer, the manufacturer, dealer or retail store cannot sell it again as a "new" computer. They have to sell it as a refurbished computer and the new owner and get a real bargain. Or quite often a retail store will have a computer on display in the store that people can look at when they're shopping. You've seem them yourself when you go into a large retail store that has a large number of computers on display. These also cannot be sold as new computers. Once again, a bargain can be had.

So, the question is, "what should I look for in a refurbished computer?"

The first thing to do is to ask the retailer when and why the computer was returned so you can determine whether the item is as good as new or if it had to undergo some extensive repairs first. Then, you want to ask them exactly what they've done to prepare this computer to be put on sale. What kind of quality control did they put this computer through? Quite often manufacturers will run quality checks on a refurbished computer just like they did when it came off the line brand-new.

Next, you want to ask them about the warranty. If the warranty exactly the same as a new computer? Most reputable manufacturers, dealers and retail stores will put the warranty in writing to ensure that the computer is in good working order. What kind of return policy do they have with a refurbished computer? It should be similar to a new computer to make you feel confident in taking it home.

Third, asked about the operating software. If there is no operating system with the refurbished computer then that will be an added expense. Make sure you have an up-to-date operating system if it does have one. Again, you don't want to have to put out money just to upgrade it to make it usable with newer software. That defeats the purpose of saving money with the refurbished computer.

Lastly, ask them what they have done to ensure that the computer does not have a virus. Since the computer has been returned, you want to make sure they have scanned the computer to detect any viruses and that they have removed them. Again, you may want to get their guarantee in writing. You don't want a costly virus messing up your software once you get it home or have your personal information stolen buy a program that failed to remove.

When it comes to buying a refurbished PC, remember to always protect yourself and ask these questions and make sure the computer will be what you expect it to be. A refurbished computer can be a great money saver and allow you to put your money on other needed peripherals or software.
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